What is an Alpha? New zombies in 28 Years Later explained

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In the film “28 Years Later,” we’ll be exploring the unique developments and roles of two fresh strains of what was once referred to as “infected.” This examination will shed light on their progression over time, and how these new forms contribute to the narrative of the horror sequel.

28 Years Later is a delayed sequel penned by the original’s author, Alex Garland, and directed by Danny Boyle, who also worked on the earlier films, 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later.

The movies take place in a world after an apocalypse, caused by a virus known as ‘Rage’ that leaked from a lab. This virus transforms humans into fast, ravenous zombies.

In the first and second films, the infected didn’t undergo significant changes, but a gap of almost three decades exists between the second and third movies, leading to the emergence of two distinct types of zombies in the third film. (SPOILER ALERT…)

What is a Slow-Low?

Large, round, swollen, and pasty, the Slow-Lows move about with their bellies touching the ground, seemingly thriving on a regular intake of earthworms.

In their voyage to the mainland, Jamie and his son Spike encounter the initial infected individuals known as ‘Slow-Lows’ in the film titled “28 Years Later.

It seems that these infected individuals seem to watch out for each other. They warn one another by shouting when peril approaches, and possibly even divert the attention of potential prey to enable another ‘Slow-Low’ to attack.

However, these fleshy masses move at a pace that matches their moniker, resembling the sluggish undead creatures from George Romero’s films. As such, Spike finds it effortless to take down one of these Slow-Lows with an arrow, marking his first successful hunt.

What are the Alphas?

Alpha is a unique variant of the undead, larger, swifter, more powerful, and intellectually superior to standard zombies, posing a greater challenge for the remaining human survivors.

Boyle explained to IGN that the changes were made because they wanted to avoid stagnation. He used the term “mutations” to describe these developments if you prefer that analogy.

In the storyline, the transformation is attributed to the Rage virus functioning similar to a steroid for the infected individual. Notably, Alphas are depicted with a distinctive maneuver, detaching the head and spinal column from a body, only to wave it around as if it were a gruesome trophy.

Jamies group refers to them as Alphas, but when they encounter a Swedish naval officer, he likens them more to frenzied Viking warrior-like berserkers.

Towards the end of the film, Doctor Kelson shares an interesting detail – he’s named one of them ‘Samson’ and it’s lived in proximity for about three years. However, he maintains a safe distance due to evident reasons.

Overcoming the challenge of slaying an Alpha creature is difficult, yet Kelson discovered an unconventional method: he shoots them with darts containing morphine to render them unconscious. However, these creatures remain the primary danger for much of the film’s duration.

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2025-06-20 12:18